The Sunday Times has unveiled its annual **Parent Power Guide**, which ranks the best secondary schools in the West Midlands for 2026. The guide, released on **December 5, 2023**, provides valuable insights for parents, allowing them to compare over **2,000** schools based on national and regional performance metrics.
Among the standout institutions, **King Edward VI School** in Stratford-upon-Avon received accolades as both the **State Secondary School of the Year** in the West Midlands and for **Academic Excellence**. In the independent sector, **King Edward VI High School for Girls** in Birmingham was recognized as the **Independent Secondary School of the Year** for Academic Excellence.
Top Schools Recognized for Excellence
The rankings reflect performances at A-level and GCSE exams conducted in summer **2025**. Other notable schools include **St Paul’s School for Girls**, which was awarded **Comprehensive School of the Year**, and **Solihull School**, recognized as an Independent Secondary School of the Year.
Helen Davies, the editor of the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, remarked on the challenges facing education today, including budget constraints and rising mental health concerns among students. Despite these difficulties, she celebrated the resilience and creativity of teachers who are committed to enriching their students’ educational experiences. Davies stated, “As well as celebrating the academic excellence of the top schools, it is uplifting to see how they are shaping their students to be ready for the 21st century, and instilling a lifelong love of learning.”
The full list of top schools in the West Midlands includes:
– **King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon**
– **King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls, Birmingham**
– **Stratford Girls’ Grammar School, Stratford-upon-Avon**
– **King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys, Birmingham**
– **Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, Birmingham**
– **Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls, Birmingham**
– **King Edward VI Five Ways School, Birmingham**
– **Wolverhampton Girls’ High School, Wolverhampton**
– **Newport Girls’ High School, Newport**
– **Rugby High School, Rugby**
– **St Paul’s School for Girls, Edgbaston**
– **Arden Academy, Solihull**
– **North Leamington School, Leamington Spa**
– **Kenilworth School, Kenilworth**
– **Alsager School, Alsager**
– **Alderbrook School, Solihull**
– **Kings Norton Girls’ School and Sixth Form, Birmingham**
– **Higham Lane School, Nuneaton**
– **Hanley Castle High School, Worcester**
– **Hagley RC High School, Hagley**
– **King Edward VI High School for Girls, Birmingham**
– **Concord College, Birmingham**
– **King Edward’s School, Birmingham**
– **Solihull School, Solihull**
– **Warwick School, Warwick**
– **RGS Worcester, Worcester**
– **Newcastle-under-Lyme School, Newcastle-under-Lyme**
– **Bromsgrove School, Bromsgrove**
– **Bablake School, Coventry**
– **King Henry VIII School, Coventry**
This year’s guide highlights **33** years of the Parent Power initiative, which has become a key resource for parents navigating the complexities of school selection. The recognition of these schools underscores their commitment to academic excellence and preparing students for future challenges.
